Barnsley Canal
Enjoy a waterside walk or cycle along the Barnsley Canal on this easy route near Royston. This section of the canal follows National Cycle Network Route 67 from Shaw Bridge, near Royston, to Walton. The route runs for just over 5 miles passing Rabbit Ings Country Park, Wintersett Reservoir and the woodland of Haw Park Wood. It's a peaceful area with a nice surfaced path ideal for a safe cycle or easy walk.
Rabbit Ings is located next to the canal at Royston and consists of 160 acres of wetland, woodland, grassland and ponds. It also has a mountain bike trail. You can also take a detour near Walton and visit Anglers Country Park. A cycle route runs around Cold Hiendley Reservoir and Wintersett Reservoir to the park.
To continue your canal-side exercise head north and you can pick up the Wakefield Canal to Castelford.
Barnsley Canal Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Barnsley Canal Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Barnsley Canal OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Barnsley Canal Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
In Royston you could pay a visit to the Ring O'bells. The friendly pub has a good menu and an outdoor seating area for warmer days. You can find it in the village with a postcode of S71 4NJ for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The popular Wakefield Wheel Cycle Route uses a section of the canal near Royston. The 38 mile circular route visits several of the local highlights, using a waymarked trail. It's a great way of exploring the rivers, canals, parks, woods, lakes and countryside around the town.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Barnsley Canal
This is the end of the Barnsley Canal. The map shows it as being full of water but today it is completely dry at this point.
Overgrown section on the canal
Culvert on the canal. The disused canal 'disappears' here, but reappears [in water] about a kilometre further south.
Reflections on the water
Photo taken looking towards Walton Park.